An Integrated Thermal and Structural Investigation for the Development of Innovative Lightweight Cold-formed Steel Wall and Floor Systems under Fire Conditions. This research will benefit the Australian building industry by providing a set of design rules that will not only enhance the fire safety standards but also the structural robustness of steel construction, thereby resulting in a reduction in loss of lives and property due to natural or man-made disasters. This will give Australian manufa ....An Integrated Thermal and Structural Investigation for the Development of Innovative Lightweight Cold-formed Steel Wall and Floor Systems under Fire Conditions. This research will benefit the Australian building industry by providing a set of design rules that will not only enhance the fire safety standards but also the structural robustness of steel construction, thereby resulting in a reduction in loss of lives and property due to natural or man-made disasters. This will give Australian manufacturers a leading edge both nationally and internationally in developing innovative prefabricated fire resistant LSF wall and floor systems using high strength steels. Australians have an opportunity to become world leaders in fire research and LSF construction. It will provide valuable research training to young Australians and will contribute to the protection of Australia's critical infrastructure.Read moreRead less
An Investigation into the Behaviour of Light Gauge Steel Structures under Fire Conditions. This research will clearly result in a major national benefit with potential reduction in loss of life, loss of property and reduced insurance rates with improved fire resistant construction. Australian maufacturers will have a leading edge internationally with the use of high strength steels. There is an opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in an area of fire research. The project will assis ....An Investigation into the Behaviour of Light Gauge Steel Structures under Fire Conditions. This research will clearly result in a major national benefit with potential reduction in loss of life, loss of property and reduced insurance rates with improved fire resistant construction. Australian maufacturers will have a leading edge internationally with the use of high strength steels. There is an opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in an area of fire research. The project will assist in developing fire resistant prefabricated building systems. In also provides valuable research training to young Australians. Most importantly it will contribute to Australia's major initiatives in protecting its critical infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Topological Optimization of Load-carrying Structural Systems with Repetitive Geometrical Patterns. Periodic structures are increasingly used in the design of the structural systems or sub-systems of buildings, bridges, aircraft, motor vehicles etc. The duplication of identical or similar modules significantly reduces the production cost and greatly simplifies the assembly process. In many cases periodic structures are also selected for their distinctive aesthetic appeal. The proposed research wi ....Topological Optimization of Load-carrying Structural Systems with Repetitive Geometrical Patterns. Periodic structures are increasingly used in the design of the structural systems or sub-systems of buildings, bridges, aircraft, motor vehicles etc. The duplication of identical or similar modules significantly reduces the production cost and greatly simplifies the assembly process. In many cases periodic structures are also selected for their distinctive aesthetic appeal. The proposed research will develop advanced techniques for the optimal design of such structures. The new design tool will enable Australian engineers and architects to create innovative and efficient structural systems for a wide range of applications and to become involved in high profile international projects. Read moreRead less
Displacement-based earthquake design of unreinforced masonry walls in two-way bending. Current design of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings for earthquake loading is based on checking that the strength of walls and connections exceeds the earthquake-induced inertia forces. Conservative estimates of wall bending strength are used to account for the wide variability in the quality of masonry construction. This project proposes to develop a new "displacement-based" design methodology for URM wa ....Displacement-based earthquake design of unreinforced masonry walls in two-way bending. Current design of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings for earthquake loading is based on checking that the strength of walls and connections exceeds the earthquake-induced inertia forces. Conservative estimates of wall bending strength are used to account for the wide variability in the quality of masonry construction. This project proposes to develop a new "displacement-based" design methodology for URM walls which is less conservative and more direct, reliable and easier to apply the the force-based method. Hence, this method offers substantical cost savings over current techniques for the assessment of the seismic vulnerability of URM walls in buildings.Read moreRead less
Retrofitting unreinforced masonry walls with fibre reinforced polymer strips. An efficient technique for increasing the safety of existing masonry structures under earthquake (and other) loading will be developed. This is essential to the safe continued use of existing infrastructure (avoid replacement = economic benefit). This new technique addresses many shortcomings in existing alternatives (increased performance, reduced cost). This research is particularly important in Australia where unrei ....Retrofitting unreinforced masonry walls with fibre reinforced polymer strips. An efficient technique for increasing the safety of existing masonry structures under earthquake (and other) loading will be developed. This is essential to the safe continued use of existing infrastructure (avoid replacement = economic benefit). This new technique addresses many shortcomings in existing alternatives (increased performance, reduced cost). This research is particularly important in Australia where unreinforced masonry accounts for most domestic construction, much light commercial infrastructure, as well as many heritage and post-disaster buildings. It also reinforces Australia's high international standing in developing innovative retrofitting alternatives using advanced materials in this rapidly developing area. Read moreRead less
Advanced analysis methods for locally unstable steel structures. The project will provide structural design and consulting engineers with advanced analysis tools which will help the profession to maintain its eminent position as a leader in the field, known for creating innovative solutions to complex structural engineering projects. The availability of advanced analysis tools will promote research and innovation by Australian producers of cold-formed and thin-walled steel construction products, ....Advanced analysis methods for locally unstable steel structures. The project will provide structural design and consulting engineers with advanced analysis tools which will help the profession to maintain its eminent position as a leader in the field, known for creating innovative solutions to complex structural engineering projects. The availability of advanced analysis tools will promote research and innovation by Australian producers of cold-formed and thin-walled steel construction products, such as BlueScope Steel, and will encourage innovation in industry which will translate to enhanced export opportunities. The end consumer will benefit from the superior structural products which will eventuate from the innovation stimulated by the analysis methods devised from this project.Read moreRead less